Israel Experience Blog

Exploring Israel with Israel Experience

History, religion, and family are intertwined with the story of Israel. Living outside of Israel sometimes makes our connection a bit more challenging but never unfeasible. Luckily Israel Experience can help us strengthen the bond, enrich, and educate with tailor-made programs to do just that – boost and reinforce our connection to Israel. The program Continue Reading »

History, religion, and family are intertwined with the story of Israel. Living outside of Israel sometimes makes our connection a bit more challenging but never unfeasible.

Luckily Israel Experience can help us strengthen the bond, enrich, and educate with tailor-made programs to do just that – boost and reinforce our connection to Israel. The program offers the highest standards of service, safety, and security. A five-star package for an unforgettable journey. The ultimate trip to Israel.

The main goal is to make sure you are covered head-to-toe in excitement, personal meaning, and the value of identity and nourishment of your bond with your Jewish community back at home.

Since the year 1958, we’ve been creating amazing travel opportunities to Israel for people all over the world. Israel Experience has been the first program to create educational programs for tourists and visitors. The programs are for teens, students, and adults creating a trip that is ‘just right’ for them based on their needs, interests, and objectives. We combine education, religion, sightseeing, cultural experiences, language instruction, and fun all in one visit. You call the shots.

A few facets of our different programs:

Career Israel – A tailored internship program combining work experience, travel, and overall cultural immersion.

Adult and Family Travel – A pre-planned trip for your family based on your interests with special focus on the Jewish values you would like to emphasize during your visit.

Masa Israel Teaching Fellows – A program designed around an English teaching position, where during the week you teach Israeli children English and have the opportunity to learn Hebrew.

Israel’s experience has many more programs for almost any idea you have in mind.

What else do we offer:

Safety and security – a leader in security protocol for group trips to Israel. This is our priority! We work with the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Police Force to ensure your safety.

Exceptional service – We are dedicated to running your trip smoothly and our staff is available 24/7 with a commitment to exceptional service.

Competitive pricing – We will cater and work with you for a cost-effective but quality tour.

Bottom line, with over 30,000 people joining us each year, connections with Israel’s finest hotels, restaurants, and iconic sites, as well as creative ideas to create your ideal trip, experience, or journey we’d like you to know we are here to make it happen for you.

Let’s talk.

Selichot in Jerusalem

Asking for forgiveness or atonement is part of the Jewish tradition in the month of Elul, right before the New Year, Rosh Hashanah, lasting till Yom Kippur, the most solemn and holy day of the Jewish calendar. During this time Jerusalem comes to life in the late hours of the night and thousands of locals Continue Reading »

Asking for forgiveness or atonement is part of the Jewish tradition in the month of Elul, right before the New Year, Rosh Hashanah, lasting till Yom Kippur, the most solemn and holy day of the Jewish calendar. During this time Jerusalem comes to life in the late hours of the night and thousands of locals and tourists come to experience the magic of the night throughout the city.

To experience this nighttime event, perhaps even during your Israel Experience trip, you can stroll through different neighborhoods and locations and see what it is all about.

Here are some neighborhoods you should check out:

Mishkenot Sha’ananim

This is the first neighborhood that was built outside the walls of the old city. A picturesque quarter with views of the golden rooftops of Jerusalem. Built by Moshe Montefiore, who purchased the land and constructed this new type of spacious neighborhood along with a flour mill to create jobs for its inhabitants. This is an ideal place to start the tour as from its large balcony around the flour mill you can see the rest of the neighborhoods and the Old City.

Nachlaot

This neighborhood was built by a group of both Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews who decided to leave the Old City and move outside the walls. The main characteristic of this location, aside from the variety of synagogues from which you can hear the late-night prayers, is the architecture of the houses as they were built around a central courtyard to maintain privacy. The famous Shuk Machne Yehuda (Machne Yehuda Market) is part of this neighborhood and makes this area even more bustling and full of flavor and color.

Mamila Neighborhood

Mamila is a neighborhood in the center of Jerusalem connecting the Old City to the new one. It used to be a commercial center for Jews and Arabs and today it is a popular boardwalk. Mamila was witness to the many battles throughout Jerusalem’s history but finally, recently, has undergone a major renovation. It houses a few local icons: The Jaffa Gate, The Tower of David, the Jerusalem Wall, and more.

The Four Sephardic Synagogues

After the Jewish settlement grew in the Old City, inside the Walls where the Jews settled to be protected from invadors, there became a need for more synagogues and so four new synagogues were built – Yochanan Ben Zachai Synagogues, Istanbul Synagogue, Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, and Haemtzai (theMiddle) Synagogue. These were built during the Uthmany reign where each one has a different style.

The Western Wall

The last location on the tour of Selichot is the one and only Western Wall. This location, during this time, will have thousands of people praying together in unison. The site is astonishing.

Experiencing Yom Kippur in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem, is truly unique and eye-opening. Walking through the city for Selichot is a spiritual and learning experience to be a part of whether you are religious or not. This is a time to reflect, open up and be part of our history, our present, and our future.

Why should you intern with Israel Experience

The Israel Experience hosts various avenues of experiences in Israel, from travel to professional interests, we cover it all. One of which is Career Israel. Career Israel allows you to intern, travel, and live in Israel intended for people between the ages of 21 and 30. Why should you consider it? Choose the lengths that Continue Reading »

The Israel Experience hosts various avenues of experiences in Israel, from travel to professional interests, we cover it all. One of which is Career Israel. Career Israel allows you to intern, travel, and live in Israel intended for people between the ages of 21 and 30.

Why should you consider it?

Choose the lengths that suits you! You can participate in our 5-month program in fall or spring or two months on our summer program. We can make it work for your schedule.

The program is great for recent college graduates or young Jewish adults looking for a career change, and the setting in Israel is ideal – city life, beaches, historical sites, and more.

It’s not all on you – You can apply for a scholarship for this adventure. We can work with you to make sure it’s feasible.

You have the opportunity to advance your professional skills before heading out to the ‘real world’ and still be amongst leading edge companies.

You will gain international experience yet still feel like a local in Israel.

You will mix business and pleasure. Aside from the global companies working with leaders in the field, there is so much to enjoy in Israel. Nightlife, the coast, the mountains, and in between – so much history.

What does the program entail?

The program allows you to live in Israel while interning at a top professional company to further develop your career for either a five months or summer program. All the while, you will explore Israel and immerse yourself in its culture while making new memories and friends from around the world.

How do you apply?

First schedule a phone call to speak to a Career Israel Program Advisor about your professional preferences and then work with and internship coordinator to understand and meet your internship options and goals.The internship coordinator will connect you with the company of your choosing and you will then have an interview to secure your internship for Career Israel! After, you will receive a list of options that are similar to your interests. Keep in mind Career Israel has over 3,700 different internship options.

What should you expect?

The program includes housing in the center of Tel Aviv, the internship itself, trips across Israel, Hebrew classes, free time to explore the new culture on your own, and connections with new colleagues and friends.

Now you know. You know what an internship in Israel means, what it entails, and how it can enrich you and enhance your professional goals. Whether you do it during the summer or as part of an Israel gap year program, a Career Israel internship program is your perfect next step.

Yom Kippur in Israel

The High Holidays in Israel mark off the beginning of the Jewish New Year taking place in the Fall. The first of these is Rosh Hashanah, then Yom Kippur, and finally Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Ten days after Rosh Hashanah- the first day of the Jewish New Year is the holiest of Jewish holidays. Yom Continue Reading »

The High Holidays in Israel mark off the beginning of the Jewish New Year taking place in the Fall. The first of these is Rosh Hashanah, then Yom Kippur, and finally Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

Ten days after Rosh Hashanah- the first day of the Jewish New Year is the holiest of Jewish holidays. Yom Kippur. It’s a day of atonement, of looking inward, making amends, and where the whole country ceases all activity. It’s a time where you ask for forgiveness from everyone around you and to forgive others as well. It is believed that at the end of this day, at sundown, God seals the Book of Life to decide who will live another year.

Yom Kippur is marked by 25 hours of fasting, prayers at synagogue and in Israel, it is a day of rest for individuals and businesses. Everything closes and all normal daily activities cease. There is no public or private transportation – buses, cars, taxis, and air traffic, except for bike riding. this is a long-standing Israeli tradition where bike riders enjoy the barren streets and head out to conquer them, from small alleys to major highways.

Synagogues are full as Kol Nidrei is said to mark off the beginning of the holiday, where during these prayers you let go of any previous ties with God and start anew. Aside from the religious significance, It is a spiritual and cultural experience to witness the prayers and congregation chant in unison. The end of the holiday is marked by the sounding of the Shofar, a clean ram’s horn, a loud high pitched sound.

If you are fortunate to spend the holidays in Israel, perhaps with one of the Israel Experience programs you will notice that the country is peaceful and quiet during Yom Kippur but people have prepared for this in advance since there are very limited services. Here are a few tips:

Stock up on food and cook in advance, even though it is only for 25 hours. Since it is customary to fast on this day, even those who don’t, still respect the observers and try to eat indoors and not gather for festive meals. Most restaurants will be closed.

Since no transportation is available and you will not drive on this day, try to plan where you want to spend the holiday and make sure you arrive before the holiday starts. This could be at a friend’s house, at a campsite, or even a hotel. Plan for some traffic because everyone else is doing the same.

Take advantage of the day to explore the area on foot or by bike.

Many cable TV stations will not run their usual programming.

Make sure all your internet or cell phone connections work if you need them since customer service not be available that day.

Le Gmar Hatima Tova.

Meaning – A good final sealing or May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for Good

Top Extreme Activities in Eilat

Can you point out Eilat on the map? Did you know it is the southernmost city in Israel? Did you know it borders with both Egypt (by land) and Jordan (by sea)? Did you know, some say, it is the best place for extreme activities in Israel? Let’s be more specific. Eilat is indeed the Continue Reading »

Can you point out Eilat on the map?

Did you know it is the southernmost city in Israel? Did you know it borders with both Egypt (by land) and Jordan (by sea)? Did you know, some say, it is the best place for extreme activities in Israel?

Let’s be more specific.

Eilat is indeed the southernmost city in Israel and the only one by the Red Sea. It is a Port city and a main tourist location. It is a tax-free zone (this is always good to know) and is accessible by car (two main roads access the city from different directions) and by plane (there is a brand new airport about 30 minutes away).

Now to our point: Due to its vicinity, the Red Sea, beautiful Eilot Mountains, and desert climate, it hosts a variety of sports, above and below water.

Our favorites:

Scuba Diving:

The coral reef off the coast of Eilat is one of the most beautiful in the world. Aside from the abundance of marine life, its location right off the shore, the cool water as opposed to the desert heat, making it ideal to put on a wetsuit and scuba tanks and get in the water.

The Red Sea, located between Asia and Africa, is a haven for scuba divers and those seeking to explore the underwater world without too much of an effort. You can see here over 800 types of fish in their natural habitat. Take your time getting to know your new surroundings just a few feet from the water’s surface.

Windsurfing

Eilat is known as one of the best places in the world for windsurfing. Also home to Israel’s bronze medalist in windsurfing, Shahar Zuberi. Its location in the desert right off the coast of the Red Sea creates a perfect place for steady blowing wind and warm breezes. Along the water, you can find numerous places for instruction and equipment rentals, all well versed in the craft.

Off-Road Jeep Tours

Eilat is not just about its amazing sea, it’s also about its mountains, geological layers, and desert breezes. It’s formations create unforgettable desert routes accessible only with off-road vehicles while still maintaining the silence and atmosphere of the area. The backdrop of the views has been untouched for years and from the mountain tops, you’ll be able to see Israel’s neighbors – Jordan, Egypt, and even Sudi Arabia as well the desert colors in places that are not often visited. This is an outing you should really experience!

Desert Night Tours

Eilat by day is not Eilat by night, especially when you head deep into the desert by moonlight. Starting at sunset, far from the city, you’ll enter the natural habitat of local wild animals: Wolves, hyenas, deer, and fox. Under a star-filled sky, a night tour allows you to see nature a bit differently, see the night sky via telescope lenses and become a guest of the Beduin, the desert nomad tribes, around a bonfire. You’ll taste their traditional food and hear their stories. What more? A night walk in a desert canyon between the Eilot Mountains.

Now that we have your attention, go to IsraDreams, part of Israel Experience, and start planning your visit to Eilat. Here, in one single site, you can plan your trip to Eilat, or really anywhere else in Israel, and find the perfect adventure just for you.

IsraDreams – Your One-Stop Shop for your Israel Travels

The decision has been made: You are traveling to Israel! You can’t wait to see the country, to experience the history, taste the food and meet new people. You know Israel has so much to offer. You heard from friends and family what a unique trip this will be and you can’t wait to update Continue Reading »

The decision has been made: You are traveling to Israel!

You can’t wait to see the country, to experience the history, taste the food and meet new people. You know Israel has so much to offer.

You heard from friends and family what a unique trip this will be and you can’t wait to update your Story with beach-desert-nightlife-Tel Aviv pics.

But wait…. How exactly do you make sure you’ll be able to check off all these things?

How can you be sure you’ll enjoy everything from your apartment to your outing rafting in the North? Where do you start making these plans?

Turns out there’s a site that organized all this information in one place:

You want to stay in an apartment outside of Tel Aviv and head out on an off-road adventure – Got you covered!

Maybe you want to enjoy your visit while staying with an Israel family and spend your time volunteering – You can find this too on the site

Or perhaps you’d like to be in the center of it all in Tel Aviv but enjoy a day (or more) in the solitude of the desert – Yes!! You can plan this as well.

Isradreams is your one-stop-shop for all things ‘the best Israel trip ever’.

A new concept travel site. Yes, we know there are other travel sites out there but…

Our focus is only on Israel and the experiences in a country that has so much to offer, as we are always there if you need help.

This site didn’t just pop up from nowhere. It goes back to 1958 (!) when the Israel Experience program wanted to promote diversity and cultural experiences for groups coming to Israel. Isradreams was created to promote the same ideas but this time for young travelers seeking to discover Israel on their own.

Can you imagine starting to solo travel as early as 14? We definitely can and we definitely can build a trip for these ages

actually – you can build a trip and we will be right here to help if you need it.

What else can you find on the site?

In-depth focus on hosts, details on each outing and adventure, explicit tips for travelers about different facets of their trip, tips also for hosts about hosting and setting clear expectations, different activity categories based on your interests and of course a secure account to handle your full itinerary.

Check it out, pick a place, choose your next adventure. We are with you every step of the way.

Our Top Bars in Tel Aviv 2019

We don’t need to promote Tel Aviv or, in this case, its night-life. However, we do have a mission – to have the most fun possible, hang out in the current trendiest locations, and finally check off ‘feel like a local’ our ‘Israel to-do’ list. Bars are a must in Tel Aviv’s nightlife. The drinks, Continue Reading »

We don’t need to promote Tel Aviv or, in this case, its night-life. However, we do have a mission – to have the most fun possible, hang out in the current trendiest locations, and finally check off ‘feel like a local’ our ‘Israel to-do’ list.

Bars are a must in Tel Aviv’s nightlife. The drinks, the food, the atmosphere, and music. Sometimes indoors, sometimes outside. Some are on the 2nd floor and some below ground. Each with its unique vibe, crowd and hours.

We got you covered.

Top 5 Bars in Tel Aviv 2019

Teder.FM

Florentine is the ׳it׳ neighborhood in Tel Aviv, with great bars and restaurants, all in a grungy setting. One of the most well-known bars here is Teder.FM. It’s housed in the interior courtyard of an old 50s building surrounded by balconies. On the first floor, it offers pizza and beer and right above it is one of Tel Aviv’s most popular restaurants, Romano, by Israel’s celebrity Chef Eyal Shani. The setting is a very casual one – picnic tables and folding chairs with live music or a DJ.

Bellboy

A favorite! Well hidden, not big, speakeasy-style! Love it!!!

The staff, from host to bartenders, cater to your taste – you don’t necessarily need to choose something off a menu but more or less describe the flavors you are looking for. The decor takes you back to the 30s and has a few secret rooms only shown if you ask. Not an easy place on your wallet but worth visiting at least once.

Radio EPGB

On Rothschild Boulevard, the prime location for an evening stroll or bar hopping, you’ll find this city gem, or actually, the cherry on top of it all. It’s noisy and crowded with great DJs, no dance floor while people still attempt to dance. The fun starts at 1 am and you can find it in an old office building’s basement. Good luck!

Cafe Europa

Did we say fancy? An upscale cocktail bar and restaurant, in a two-story setting, with a balcony overlooking the diners down below. Not easy to get into, small but with a great variety of drinks. A true Tel Aviv vibe kind of place to people watch and be seen.

Veranda

This is one of the latest pop-ups in Tel Aviv. Influenced by the town of Tulum in Mexico, it’s sunsets are ‘the’ thing to watch. Some say they are even better here – you be the judge! The menu hosts sharing plates with local flavors and fresh product and the cocktails are mainly martini based. This place is a summer-only venue, so go now.

Now that you got your nightly Tel Aviv adventure covered, make sure you get everything else in place for your trip to Israel via IsraDreams, your ‘one stop shop’ for booking the perfect trip specifically for you. Have Fun!!

Five Things to do on Rosh Hashanah in Israel

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. On this day, which starts at sunset, families gather for a traditional meal, blessing food and wishing for the incoming year to be a good one. Some families go to synagogue for special prayers, some use it as a day of rest and others take Continue Reading »

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. On this day, which starts at sunset, families gather for a traditional meal, blessing food and wishing for the incoming year to be a good one. Some families go to synagogue for special prayers, some use it as a day of rest and others take advantage of this downtime to travel, party and relax.

Keep in mind that kosher bars and restaurants will be closed and public transportation will not be running like on Shabbat (Saturday) and other holidays.

Here are a few ideas of what you can do during this Holiday:

Join a Family Dinner

To really experience Rosh Hashanah, spend it with a family. If it is your own, great, but even if not, and you are invited by one – GO! You may not know the family well but you will learn about the blessing and traditions, taste the unique holiday food, feel the warmth of family around you and you may even get a kick of observing family politics and interactions. Come with a nice bottle of wine to give to the hosts, dress up a bit (a suit is usually not required) and be our guest!

Go to Synagogue

If you are looking for a Synagogue on Rosh Hashanah to observe this holiday or if you just want to experience the full range of Jewish traditions in Israel, check out these Synagogues in Tel Aviv which reach out to international travelers:

The Tel Aviv International Synagogue: It is one of the oldest Synagogues in Tel Aviv and it conducts its services in both English and Hebrew. It also holds dinners and receptions with champagne, wine, and food. A great place to meet fellow travelers.

Chabad on the Coast: In the heart of Tel Aviv, the first English speaking Chabad House. It hosts fun activities, holiday services and meals for many young professionals.

Travel

Get to know Israel! This is the perfect time to explore a place you have not seen before in Israel. Luckily, Israel is not too big and it’s easy to reach the desert in the South, the hills and mountains in the North, and everything in between. The weather is great and different tourist locations are expecting people to travel and have prepared special events and attractions. Keep in mind there is no public transportation available.

Head to the Beach

The scorching summer months are behind us and winter is still far off – this is the perfect time to head to the beach. The outside temperatures are still warm, the water is cool (but not cold), the jellyfish, which come at the beginning of summer, is a faint memory and there are fewer crowds – what more can you ask for?! Grab a towel, some sunscreen, and you’re set.

Now all you have to do is choose one, a couple or maybe even all of these to enjoy. Hag Sameach! (Happy Holiday!)

How To Plan Your Weekends In Israel

You’re thinking of coming to Israel. Your are on the verge of making the decision and you are already planning your time here. You will be here for the next few months working, volunteering, and traveling. Your week is full of activities, meetings, and running around, but come the weekend, what should you do? How Continue Reading »

You’re thinking of coming to Israel. Your are on the verge of making the decision and you are already planning your time here. You will be here for the next few months working, volunteering, and traveling. Your week is full of activities, meetings, and running around, but come the weekend, what should you do? How do you plan it? What do the locals do? Are places closed? Does public transportation run? Where are the cool places? Where and what should you visit? Where can you find your own special spot or spots in Israel?

Ok, here are some tips and ideas.

Tips

Public transportation

Most buses and trains do not run on the Sabbath, from Friday a bit before sunset till Saturday evening. There are private shared taxis and shuttles that do run on the weekend but should be checked in advance for operating hours. For example, In Tel Aviv, you can find private shared taxis and shuttles running throughout the weekend. In Haifa public transportation runs on Saturday while in Jerusalem the only way to get around other than walking is with private taxis.

Friday places close early, while Sunday is a workday.

Most companies in Israel are open Sunday through Thursday and are closed Friday and Saturday. Stores and some other consumer service locations may be open on Friday but close early, usually by 2 pm, on Friday. Bars, restaurants and other places of recreation may be open as well as on Saturday, but these should be checked ahead of time. This also depends on the business’s location: In Tel Aviv and Haifa, the nightlife over the weekend is vibrant and busy whereas in Jerusalem it is primarily closed, but there are areas that are open. You need to know where to look.

Traffic

Traffic is much lighter over the weekend. However, keep in mind venturing into the heart of major cities like Tel Aviv may be heavily backed up on Thursday and Friday nights. This also applies to finding parking. Keep in mind, traffic can be very heavy on major holidays and lightens up during the holiday mornings, as people are home.

How to plan your weekend

The Beach

Heading to the beach on Friday and Saturday morning is always a good idea. Get some sun, a bit of surfing and hang out with friends. Grab a pair of ‘Matkot’, very common beach sport (padel ball). This is a typical part of the Israeli weekend when weather permits, and it usually ‘permits’.

Bars

It’s a Thursday night, it’s been a long week, now it’s time to chill out. Head out to a bar, even the one down the street, to hang out, talk to a few people and take a load off. You don’t have to stay till the place closes, but even just an hour or two will start your weekend off the right way – When living in TLV you will be able to bar-hop and coz the way the city is built you can do it all on foot – no need for cars/taxis

Shabbat Dinners on Friday Night

Something unique happens in Israel on Friday nights. It actually starts Friday afternoon where it seems like the whole country winds down and things become a bit quieter. As the hours’ progress, there’s a unique atmosphere in the air and you see people walking in their ‘Sunday best’ to the synagogue. As the early evening progresses families will congregate to sit down for the Shabbat dinner around the dinner table. If you are invited to a Shabbat dinner – GO! Bring a bottle of wine with you and enjoy the pleasant evening of food, family and Shabbat atmosphere. You could also join a community dinner through a synagogue or community center.

Travel Around Israel

There are quite a few hiking trails in Israel. Some on cliffs above the sea and others up mountains in the Golan Heights. Although a small country, the landscape varies from desert to a snow-capped mountain, from urban settings to untainted wilderness. Luckily, almost all of these are at most a few hours away from anywhere in Israel. Venture out for the day or stay overnight to enjoy these without a long drive home.

Enjoy your week, but start planning your weekends.

Shabbat Shalom!

Specialty Trips and Events in Israel

Israel is a one-of-a-kind place and any trip to Israel is truly special. However, there are certain special events that happen in Israel once a year or even once in a lifetime that make the visit much more unique and memorable. Israel’s Independence Day Once a year the whole country is united to celebrate its Continue Reading »

Israel is a one-of-a-kind place and any trip to Israel is truly special. However, there are certain special events that happen in Israel once a year or even once in a lifetime that make the visit much more unique and memorable.

Israel’s Independence Day

Once a year the whole country is united to celebrate its independence. No matter your political perspective, your religious views or your age, Israel’s Independence Day is one day where everyone celebrates. From BBQs (‘Mangal’) on every corner to a fly-over by Israel’s Air Force to ceremonies telling the heroic stories of conquering Israel’s independent. This day is full of culture, history and lots of well-fed individuals.

Purim, Where Israel is One Big Party

Purim, the holiday the Jews commemorate the saving of the Jews from Hamman, is celebrated in Israel around the end of February or beginning of March (as the Jewish holidays are celebrated by the Lunar Calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar). Visually speaking, it resembles the holiday of Halloween, where everyone dresses up and goes to the streets. Israel becomes one big party with costumes, music, food, and wine. There are also parades and special events scattered through the country, primarily the big cities. This is one holiday everyone loves to celebrate: Young, old, secular or religious. Come join the party!

Participating in the Jerusalem Marathon

Imagine running with 15,000 people through the streets of Jerusalem! While minding your pace you are engulfed by a truly spiritual experience of a thousand years of history following your every footstep. You can also enjoy a detailed tour of all the spots that are in the marathon route followed by historic explanations and stories as well as divrei Torah, the practice of sharing a Torah thought by leading Torah scholars and influential speakers about the current situation in Israel. There are numerous marathons in Israel such as the Tel Aviv Marathon and Golan Marathon.

Experiencing Gay Pride Week

Israel celebrates its diversity all year round. Jewish holidays are celebrated by Israel’s different ethnicities, each one with its own traditions. There are secular versus religious nuances in day to day life in Israel as well. Also, each Israeli citizen takes on the weekend or more specifically Shabbat, a bit, or a lot, differently. There is one group that celebrates its uniqueness and individuality during Gay Pride Month. The LGBTQ vibrant community, throughout the month of June, colors the whole country with events and awareness as it culminates in the huge world-renowned Gay Pride Parade. Quite a way to get to know Israel!

Celebrating the High Holidays

The High Holidays in Israel are a time to reflect and enjoy. Welcoming family and friends around the dinner table, remembering the ‘wrongs’ and the ‘rights’ you have done in the past years, making amends – these are all part of the month-long affairs of the Jewish New Year, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, and Simchat Torah. From the Wailing wall crowds to the barren streets to the last days before Fall at the beach, the High Holidays are a unique time of year to enjoy Israel.

When planning your trip to Israel you can definitely attempt to create a perfect visit around unique events like these. Israel Experience can work with you to make it happen!